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Mar 31, 2020

Celanese Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Celanese reported first quarter earnings, highlighting resilient cash generation and a strong balance sheet.

Key Takeaways

Celanese Corporation reported a solid first quarter performance with GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.88 and adjusted earnings per share of $2.29 on net sales of $1.5 billion. The company demonstrated resilience through its Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain commercial models, generating robust operating cash flow of $259 million and free cash flow of $135 million, while also implementing structural cost and capital reduction actions.

Celanese delivered sequential growth in operating profit and adjusted EBIT.

The company generated robust operating cash flow of $259 million and free cash flow of $135 million.

Celanese retains substantial financial flexibility due to continued liquidity and balance sheet strength.

The company has identified and implemented structural cost and capital reduction actions.

Total Revenue
$1.46B
Previous year: $1.69B
-13.5%
EPS
$2.29
Previous year: $2.62
-12.6%
Operating Cash Flow
$259M
Capital Expenditures
$119M
Gross Profit
$348M
Previous year: $453M
-23.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$570M
Previous year: $441M
+29.3%
Free Cash Flow
$135M
Previous year: $228M
-40.8%
Total Assets
$9.55B
Previous year: $9.57B
-0.3%

Celanese

Celanese

Celanese Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Celanese anticipates generating $300 to $400 million of incremental cash through productivity, working capital management, and capital expenditures prioritization to offset demand and earnings challenges.

Positive Outlook

  • Well-positioned to meet current macro-economic challenges.
  • Committed to keeping employees safe.
  • Focused on meeting customers' needs.
  • Dedicated to delivering sustained value for shareholders.
  • Taking actions on productivity, working capital management, and capital expenditures prioritization.

Challenges Ahead

  • Uncertainties regarding the duration and impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
  • Suspension of previously announced annual adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2020.
  • Reduced consumer activity in the Western Hemisphere impacting demand.
  • Potential impact on the second quarter demand.
  • Weaker than anticipated demand environment.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income